Happy First Anniversary!

Yesterday was the First Anniversary of Neat Nick Preserves according to a state database. Today is the First Anniversary of Neat Nick Preserves according to our official letter from the state.

Either way, we’re celebrating one year of using fresh, local ingredients to create unique and delicious handmade, small-batch jams, jellies, and butters! Hooray!

We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished in a single year. As we look back through everything that happened – taking part in local farmers’ markets, participating in special events such as Hops & Harvest, being selected to take part in the Governor’s Buy Local Cookout, being profiled in Howard Magazine, collaborating with other local community-focused businesses such as Lost Ark Distilling, growing the number of Stockists who carry our products to 12 – we’re astounded and amazed and delighted in our adventures so far.

When asked about her personal highlights from the first year, Founder and Owner Nicole Paterson stopped to think. “Finding and trying new recipes,” she said, then added, “and meeting new Stockists. It’s nice to meet other business people who truly enjoy what they’re doing and discovering ways to work together.”

Were there any surprises? Of course! A completely unexpected aspect of the business resulted from Nicole’s unwavering commitment to using simple, high quality ingredients: fans know what goes into every jar. When possible, we use lower sugar. And in response to customer interest, we also developed recipes using alternative sweeteners such as honey and maple sugar. These products are popular with fans managing specific health needs who hadn’t been able to find similar options prior to those offered by Neat Nick Preserves.

Her very favorite part of this first year, however, was developing fans, sometimes called Neat Nick’s Jambassadors. These are people who return weekly to the farmers’ markets to stock up, or who order often online. These are the folks who gift Neat Nick Preserves to their friends and family, wanting to share the flavors they love with others.

These fans are why we’re here and going strong after a single year. And these fans make us excited to see what the upcoming year holds in store.

And so we thank you, one and all, for your enthusiasm and support. We couldn’t do it without you!